C.C.’s Comments (group member since Jan 05, 2017)

C.C.’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

If you purchase the proof copy - I think it says something like not for resale. Didn't realize this until after I ordered the 'proof copy' option and got the book in the mail. After the book was published, I chose the 'author copy' option and this looks like the normal book.

Carole wrote: "The service at Createspace has gotten terrible. They got rid of everybody and all the services and are trying to move authors to the new platform. I think u couldn’t buy copies at cost from there b..."

Through the options for the paperback on kdp, you can order proof or author copies. The only difference in the two that I could see is a proof copy has 'proof' printed across the cover.

When I first got the message that KDP was available for paperbacks, I felt like I was being encouraged to move. Correct me if I'm wrong but the main downside to moving is that CS has broader distribution options.

At times I found dealing with CS a struggle. I tried KDP on one book and never went back. I like having one dashboard for everything. Also, I found I could sell my paperbacks at a price point that was more competetive. And last time I ordered author copies the shipping was much less than CS.

I create my books in word. I first create the ebook file and then drop it into a template I made myself for the print file. I upload directly so moving to KDP was easy.

Margaret wrote: "I did the same thing, opened new files for the remaining books in my current series, in hopes of keeping the continuity in the series. I haven't tried a paperback with KDP, but hope that if the cha..."

I started with CS and then switched to KDP - I actually like KDP better since now everything is in one place and it's easier to get the book loaded after I already have the ebook set up. Would not want to go back. The only downside I found in the beginning was KDP didn't offer author copies at a discounted rate but now they do.

Carole - I agree with doing the formatting yourself. In the beginning, I got quotes from CS for formatting but decided that it wasn't worth the price because I wanted to be able to make changes in the future. I figured out the formatting and did it myself - now I own the files and don't have to worry about paying someone to make changes.

I think I've got everyone here, but if I missed anyone please let me know.

C.L. wrote: "C.C. wrote: "C.L. - I understand the stress of making a sequel, but don't let it take away the thrill of knowing you've got that second book done. I've been impressed by how you've put together you..."

Hey, thanks for the tips. You've been great on these threads with helping others by sharing your experiences. Wishing you sales and success for the future.

C.L. - I understand the stress of making a sequel, but don't let it take away the thrill of knowing you've got that second book done. I've been impressed by how you've put together your releases and built your team of advance readers. That is a skill I wish to someday master, but for now just congrats. I look forward to reading your second book.

I always wanted to write, but I've been blessed to find a career I truly enjoy. Women in engineering are still a minority but I try to help with the outreach for local schools and encourage young people to choose engineering as their field of study. In my work, I feel like I can make a difference and that people value my knowledge and opinion.

Anna - read One Dark Night and enjoyed it. I love stories that put you in the time period, with characters that deserve a HEA. I was rooting for Lucy!

Don't assume everything is great just because they accept it.

For Kindle, I've run into a few formatting issues, especially on my first books. There would be strange formats on some of the sentences and extra spacing, but I couldn't see the issues on a Kindle or in the kindle app. Some of it showed up in the look inside feature and some things could only be seen in the cloud viewer. Always good to check how your book looks on multiple devices.

Faith wrote: "Alex wrote: "problem is the blurb. Can you do anything with this?"

It’s the same old story, isn’t it? There you are, trundling through the evening sky in your Lancaster bomber when reality’s torn ..."

Faith - this is great!

I've found going through the process of learning how to format the files myself was worth it. When I need to make a change, I don't have to go to anyone. I format all of my ebooks and print books using word, but just beware it takes time to figure out.

Just a few ideas:

Burned by a Killer
Don't Trust a Killer
What the Killer Knew

I think it looks great

Got everyone up to this point - if I missed anyone please let me know.

Glad to see there are still great folks in this group. And what's wrong with laughing??? Anna - don't think I've read anything by you yet so I'm going to give it a shot.

I think I've got everone so far

L - I think the numbers others have posted are more realistic than your quotes.

I also think you've got to consider why you want to publish a book. If you're going through the motions with the idea of getting rich, you'll most certainly be disappointed. Your odds might be better than hitting the lotto, but sometimes I wonder...

If you enjoy writing, then keep going with the reality that few people make it 'big'. I started writing because I loved it. I took the plunge in publishing because the industry fascinates me and I've spent a great deal of time studying what other people claim will bring success. I haven't found the magic formula so I keep writing book after book.

Make goals and patiently work toward them. Don't let people stop you if this is your dream, but treat it like a business you care about. You must make an investment for your product to look professional. Study MANY different forums, sites, and opinions before spending money you might regret. Come at this with all the knowledge you can find.

And have fun.